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Working It Out: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope
In 2006, Abby Rike lost the life she knew and loved when her husband and two young children were killed in a car accident. Devastated and numb, she shut down. For nearly three years she walked through life like a spectre, present in body only. As she descended, so did her health.
Fortunately, Abby was not alone. She had loving parents, supportive friends, and a faith that continued to sustain her. Little by little she found the courage to return to life. Joining The Biggest Loser proved a catalyst for the physical and emotional changes she needed to make. In fact, against all odds Abby gained strength, courage, wisdom, and continued her steadfast relationship with God. Instead of anger, she found herself slowly but steadily healing. She lost a hundred pounds but gained hope.
In this riveting book, Abby tells her story -- from her joyous life before the accident to the unbearable pain that followed it and her eventual emergence as a woman reinvigorated by her faith in God. Today Abby's resilience and positivity are a testament to the power and importance of faith in the darkest hours.
Fortunately, Abby was not alone. She had loving parents, supportive friends, and a faith that continued to sustain her. Little by little she found the courage to return to life. Joining The Biggest Loser proved a catalyst for the physical and emotional changes she needed to make. In fact, against all odds Abby gained strength, courage, wisdom, and continued her steadfast relationship with God. Instead of anger, she found herself slowly but steadily healing. She lost a hundred pounds but gained hope.
In this riveting book, Abby tells her story -- from her joyous life before the accident to the unbearable pain that followed it and her eventual emergence as a woman reinvigorated by her faith in God. Today Abby's resilience and positivity are a testament to the power and importance of faith in the darkest hours.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
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366 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 14, 2011
In 2006, in the blink of an eye... Abby's world went from having a loving husband, a beautiful three year old daughter, and a sweet 18 day old son... to losing it all to a devastating accident that would drop the strongest person to their knees. For nearly three years Abby went through the motions of "life" in almost a robotic manner. Although family and friends, as well as a strong faith surrounded her, Abby still had a deeper need inside her that had her turn to food for comfort.
In 2009 as she began to see the shell of her life and knowing she wanted more... Abby went on the show The Biggest Loser. She turned her life around, lost 100 pounds, but gained a new freedom from food... and the return of a life that she had long forgotten.
I enjoy watching The Biggest Loser on TV. I watched the season that Abbie was in and when she told her story of the tragic loss my heart went out to her. (I am all too familiar with tragedy having lost my dad and sister to a house fire in 1980, and my mom and step dad to a head on collision that took both their lives as well as two others in 1996). I know what its like to hit rock bottom and even having to remind yourself to breathe.
If you watched this season on The Biggest Loser, you would have watched not only the miracle of the shows ways to give hope where people have none.... but you see Abby's faith blossom in God and in herself.
In this book you read about Abby's story starting with the accident... then back tracking to how she and Rick Rike met, the whirlwind romance, and the beginning of building a family together. Abby's story is well written, and bitter sweet. Included in this book are letters exchanged between Abby and Rick.
Abby's story really spoke to me. It is easy for any one of us to get caught under the weight of depression, and it is hard to make the moves to get back in the game. Abby does this with a faith that is impressive... and this book tells how she came to live again. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes true stories of faith and hope, to anyone struggling under the weight of grief, to see that it is possible to move beyond the grief and reclaim their life.
In 2009 as she began to see the shell of her life and knowing she wanted more... Abby went on the show The Biggest Loser. She turned her life around, lost 100 pounds, but gained a new freedom from food... and the return of a life that she had long forgotten.
I enjoy watching The Biggest Loser on TV. I watched the season that Abbie was in and when she told her story of the tragic loss my heart went out to her. (I am all too familiar with tragedy having lost my dad and sister to a house fire in 1980, and my mom and step dad to a head on collision that took both their lives as well as two others in 1996). I know what its like to hit rock bottom and even having to remind yourself to breathe.
If you watched this season on The Biggest Loser, you would have watched not only the miracle of the shows ways to give hope where people have none.... but you see Abby's faith blossom in God and in herself.
In this book you read about Abby's story starting with the accident... then back tracking to how she and Rick Rike met, the whirlwind romance, and the beginning of building a family together. Abby's story is well written, and bitter sweet. Included in this book are letters exchanged between Abby and Rick.
Abby's story really spoke to me. It is easy for any one of us to get caught under the weight of depression, and it is hard to make the moves to get back in the game. Abby does this with a faith that is impressive... and this book tells how she came to live again. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes true stories of faith and hope, to anyone struggling under the weight of grief, to see that it is possible to move beyond the grief and reclaim their life.
April 26, 2012
The story of Abby Rike first caught my attention when I watched it unfold on the Biggest Loser television show. That was actually the first season that I watched the show, and Abby's story both broke my heart and inspired me. Her book was no different. I have to admit that by the end of chapter one I already had tears in my eyes, and by the end still more had been shed (and I think that my wife pretty much cried throughout the book!). Yet what I found to be a pleasant surprise about this book is that not only is Abby's story by itself an amazing journey to follow, but Abby is a phenomenal writer, someone who clearly has an excellent grasp of the English language and has the ability to provide an absolute page turner. Her recounting of her personal story is absolutely riveting - and you have to understand that I am not even someone who normally even enjoys autobiographies! If you are a reader like me, who normally prefers fiction, I urge you to try something different and get this book. Her story is not just one that breaks your heart, but is also one that is deeply inspiring as her faith in God lifts her out of her despair and sustains her in a manner that can only be described as miraculous. How can you read this book and not come away believing in God?
Written with tremendous skill, Working it Out is a powerfully moving read that is sure to linger with you long after you turn the last page. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Faithwords, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
Written with tremendous skill, Working it Out is a powerfully moving read that is sure to linger with you long after you turn the last page. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Faithwords, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
July 19, 2017
****Please note I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway*****
First, I have to say I was absolutely stoked when I won this book. This was the first book I had ever won as a giveaway and one that I really wanted.
I remember watching The Biggest Loser the season that Abby was on, and absolutely bawling when her interview aired, and she spoke about losing her family. I had the same thoughts as a lot of people in her life, "How do you manage to make it through the days after something like that happens?"
Reading her book has given me a greater insight into her personality, and I can see that she is a very strong person. Not perfect, of course but unwavering in her faith. Even in her darkest hours she remained mostly positive. I enjoyed the overall peaceful and positive nature of her book.
Whereas in the review I wrote just prior to this one, I wrote about not being able to finish that book because of it being what I would call "too preachy" the references to God in this memoir were easy and flowed well. Her faith was a major part of her life, and she wasn't trying to change other's opinions or convert them, so the references were easy to take in stride.
The book was a tad repetitive with all of the messages from friends in the beginning, but this is understandable.
Her relationship with her husband and her family was remarkable, really the thing of fairy tales.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a positive read.
First, I have to say I was absolutely stoked when I won this book. This was the first book I had ever won as a giveaway and one that I really wanted.
I remember watching The Biggest Loser the season that Abby was on, and absolutely bawling when her interview aired, and she spoke about losing her family. I had the same thoughts as a lot of people in her life, "How do you manage to make it through the days after something like that happens?"
Reading her book has given me a greater insight into her personality, and I can see that she is a very strong person. Not perfect, of course but unwavering in her faith. Even in her darkest hours she remained mostly positive. I enjoyed the overall peaceful and positive nature of her book.
Whereas in the review I wrote just prior to this one, I wrote about not being able to finish that book because of it being what I would call "too preachy" the references to God in this memoir were easy and flowed well. Her faith was a major part of her life, and she wasn't trying to change other's opinions or convert them, so the references were easy to take in stride.
The book was a tad repetitive with all of the messages from friends in the beginning, but this is understandable.
Her relationship with her husband and her family was remarkable, really the thing of fairy tales.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a positive read.
October 17, 2011
Abby's story touched me when she was on Biggest Loser so when I saw her book at Border's going-out-of-business sale I thought I would pick it up. I really had no great expectations for it, but it was a very well written book and her story is absolutely haunting. The loss of her young family is just gut-wrenching. I actually found myself laying awake at night feeling so sad for the death of her beloved husband and wonderful children. I don't know how anyone can not just survive but thrive after the devastating loss that she experienced as Abby has done. I am not a woman of faith but I have the utmost respect for people like Abby whose faith remains strong even in the face of unbelievable tragedy. I also found her to be a faith-based individual without judgement or criticism of those who are not which is a very rare trait and something for which I have the utmost respect. Overall, an inspirational story well worth reading no matter your religious beliefs.
August 17, 2025
An interesting story of Abby's triumph over tragedy - losing husband, little girl and newborn in a tragic accident. She ends up as a participant on the "Biggest Loser" tv show. The highs and lows are opening stated and although she doesn't last until the end, she learns so much about herself in the journey. I found it interesting to read about the pressures of behind-the-scenes reality tv.
November 15, 2017
A truly inspirational book. Losing her entire family in a car accident, Abby Rike takes the reader on her journey to find happiness after a devastating loss. She was also on the reality show, the Biggest Loser.
July 30, 2018
"I have to get to know myself all over again, and sometimes that scares me." -Abby Rike
April 19, 2019
Christian woman who lost her husband and 2 children in a car accident. Then years later went on The Biggest Loser and lost 100 pounds. An Ok book, a sad story - appreciate every day!
March 2, 2021
Excellent & inspiring.
June 17, 2021
A sad story for sure, but the book does not give any more info than what you see in The Biggest Loser.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2014
I wanted so much more from this book. I was expecting a story about 'how' she worked it out and 'how' she moved forward. Instead, the book is 'my life was wonderful, my family was perfect, my husband was terrific, our love was amazing, now read a flowery overly mushy love letter to prove it'....and repeat...and repeat. At the end of the book is a section of photocopies of the letters. Because we need to read them again in the original handwriting??? It feels so very contrived. Mrs. Rike would have benefited from a co-writer or a good editor who should have known better. Her time on Biggest Loser is barely a blip in the book. Overall the message of 'how' she worked it out is that her faith is strong and she believes they're in a better place. She was already in that mindset at the funeral, so what was left to work out? Her weight issue? She very briefly explains that she learned how to eat healthier and worked out. yawn I'm happy Mrs. Rike is in a better head place, that she's physically healthier, that she was able to move forward after losing her family. Sadly I found her book a complete waste of time.
March 26, 2015
As a viewer of "The Biggest Loser", I connected with Abby Rike when she spoke of her journey of loss and hope. I purchased a copy of "Working it Out" and couldn't read it without tears, smiles, and inspiration. I became inspired by Abby after seeing how she moves forward after tragic loss. Not only are we both published authors, but we have other things in common. I related to a few issues she experienced in her grief because I lost my husband tragically after being married a short time. While nothing prepares you for tragedy, over time you work through the loss and the grief that you must endure ino order to thrive. Abby proves, with the loving support of her family and friends, that she can persevere after the heavy loss of her family. Thank you Abby for sharing your journey for others who have been in similar situations, who can now see they can heal after tragedy!
- Karen E Voss
- Karen E Voss
May 2, 2013
This was a book I was kinda trying to avoid reading, since I knew how emotional it was going to be having been Mrs. Rike's student and having met her husband and daughter. The writing was amazing, especially since it incorporated letters. She was able to really portray the emotions she experienced and get the reader to feel the tragedy she went through. The only part I think she was a little weak on was explaining the transformation she went through after marrying Rick. I was able to be her student at CHS before and after her marriage and the happiness she evoked afterwards was inspiring.
Thank you Mrs. Rike for this amazing book and for having the courage to tell your story. - Krista Davis (Richards)
Thank you Mrs. Rike for this amazing book and for having the courage to tell your story. - Krista Davis (Richards)
November 2, 2013
Quote: "While facing and telling the truth may be hard in the moment, it makes life easier in the long run. It's not about feeling bad about yourself or making it a sensitive issue. Simply come to grips with the fact(s"
Quote: "Sometimes you can't wait until you want to make a change; sometime you just have to do it, and the feelings follow."
Quote: "You can't sit back and be a victim, thinking that if only everone around you changed, life would be perfet. If yo don't like your circumstances, you are the common denominator in your life. It's about you changing your perception. If things aren't going the way you like, then do something about it."
The story was a little drawn out, but I enjoyed the lessons shared and her life philosophy.
Quote: "Sometimes you can't wait until you want to make a change; sometime you just have to do it, and the feelings follow."
Quote: "You can't sit back and be a victim, thinking that if only everone around you changed, life would be perfet. If yo don't like your circumstances, you are the common denominator in your life. It's about you changing your perception. If things aren't going the way you like, then do something about it."
The story was a little drawn out, but I enjoyed the lessons shared and her life philosophy.
May 16, 2011
I am a lucky First Reads winner of this book - looking forward to receiving it and writing a review!
Update - I just finished this book. I can't even imagine enduring what Abby Rike has, and t he fact that she has been able to not only survive but thrive is amazing. Don't expect to learn too much about "The Biggest Loser" as this was not the focal point of the book. Also, the author writes about her Christian faith heavily throughout the book, which may be inspirational to some readers, but a turnoff to others. I enjoyed reading this book and wish to thank the folks at Goodreads for the opportunity!
Update - I just finished this book. I can't even imagine enduring what Abby Rike has, and t he fact that she has been able to not only survive but thrive is amazing. Don't expect to learn too much about "The Biggest Loser" as this was not the focal point of the book. Also, the author writes about her Christian faith heavily throughout the book, which may be inspirational to some readers, but a turnoff to others. I enjoyed reading this book and wish to thank the folks at Goodreads for the opportunity!
January 28, 2012
A friend and fellow TBL fan gave me this book. I started watching BL the season AFTER Abby was on, so I did not know her story. Someone commented that she was too cheerful... hmmm that was an interesting comment, considering she talks about staying inside her house, keeps moving and switching jobs and loses most of her friends in the aftermath of the tragedy. I think she wrote this book from a place of healing and love and not a place of gnashing of teeth, although her journal entries (written in the middle of the night) definitely give you a window into her sense of sorrow and loss. I cried while reading this book and that rarely happens to me.
February 19, 2012
Very inspirational. I remembered her story from the Biggest Loser. It was certainly about more than just weight loss, and I appreciate how much of the backstory she gives. The focus of the book is not so much about biggest loser or weight loss as much as it is about finding a purpose again after a horrible tragedy. (Her husband, 6 yr old daughter, and 2 week old son were killed in a car wreck.) She discusses throughout the book how her faith in Christ helped her though all of it, which will likely offend some readers, and inspire others.
My favorite quote was when she said, "I have zero fear of death, but I still choose life."
My favorite quote was when she said, "I have zero fear of death, but I still choose life."
July 27, 2012
Like her quote "What the caterpillar thinks is the end of the world, the butterfly knows is only the beginning." Anonymous
And that fits her story for sure. Great to hear someone's story 1sthand how they held fast to their faith.
Also liked p. 242 Finding the powerful person within you requires more than feeling. Sometimes you can't wait until you want to make a change; sometimes you just have to do it, and the feelings follow. More often than not, action preceeds feeling. I wanted to feel better, but it's not enought to simply want more...I had to take action!
But overall, I found the many many letters shared in the book, just too much for me. But it was ok.
And that fits her story for sure. Great to hear someone's story 1sthand how they held fast to their faith.
Also liked p. 242 Finding the powerful person within you requires more than feeling. Sometimes you can't wait until you want to make a change; sometimes you just have to do it, and the feelings follow. More often than not, action preceeds feeling. I wanted to feel better, but it's not enought to simply want more...I had to take action!
But overall, I found the many many letters shared in the book, just too much for me. But it was ok.
May 19, 2013
I had to skip chapters of this book because it was slow moving and boring. I thought it was going to be about her weight loss efforts, but really it is a memoir about losing her family in a car accident. She spends way too much time on how great her life was before the accident trying to make us understand what she lost. The story got more interesting when it got to the part where she started losing weight and being on Biggest Loser. It seemed to me like in the end she became a different person, but maybe not all in good ways? I wouldn't have finished it if I hadn't been stuck on an airplane.
This whole review makes me sound really insensitive and mean.
This whole review makes me sound really insensitive and mean.
December 3, 2012
It took me a long time to start this book, I wasn't ready to read it. But today, I was and I finished it in one day. Abby was a contestant on the Biggest Loser who lost her husband, five yr old daughter, and two and half week old son in a tragic car accident. This is her story about how she continues to go forward, which includes her journey to the Biggest Loser. Her story resonated with me so much. I couldn't even imagine the pain she has gone through, but I know through my own pain, you have to find the joy in the journey. Great read.
December 20, 2011
GoodReads needs a 4th category: "i started but will never finish this book." I can usually drag myself through a so-so book [i did it with Twilight!] but this book i can't imagine finishing. I am a Biggest Loser fan, and know Abby's story from the TV show, so when i saw this book, I thought I'd like it. But I found her telling of her story unrelatable. Her whole family is killed in a car accident [i'm not giving anything away; she shares this in the 1st chapter] and yet she continues to sound so cheerful. I admire her outlook, but couldn't get through a whole book of it.
June 19, 2014
This book tells a remarkable story of a comeback from unimaginable loss. She relied very heavily on her faith, which was interesting for me as someone who is an atheist, but something that I was totally unable to relate to. Then again, I could not relate to any part of her incredibly tragic story, but I found inspiration in her story of human triumph. This is the story of how everyday person heroically coped with more than her share of terrible luck and managed not to add herself to the list of casualties from that one fateful day.
August 9, 2011
Just when you think you are having a bad day and don't have the resolve to get through it, read this book. The grace and amazing sense of faith and self carried Abby through one of the worst tragedies I can even imagine. I know her in "real life" and she is everything you read in this book and more. This book gives you hope when you feel like you cannot overcome the things that are happening to you personally.
August 31, 2011
A beautiful story about over coming the hardest challenges in life with complete faith in God. Abby lost her husband, 2 week old baby and 6 yr old daughter in a car accident. Although her story is one of life shattering proportions her story before that was a love story and she shares letters they wrote and the love they shared. She went on to star in the weightloss show the Biggest Loser, where she reclaimed her self again!
December 2, 2011
This was an inspiring story but I wished it had been written a little differently. I would have liked to read more about her experience on Biggest Loser and less about her life before her tragic accident. I know that sounds a little calloused given what she went through and I understand that she probably wrote the book to aid in her grieving process but for me as a reader the first part was a bit redundant. But overall I enjoyed the book.
October 2, 2012
Abby Rike is a true inspiration. After all she has been through, and reaching the lowest of the low points none of us wish to experience, she pulled herself up and chose to not just survive, but to live. I met Abby at our local Galesburg Healthy Woman event a few weeks ago and she has renewed my spirit to live and not just survive. Thanks Abby for all you do and for being that rock that we all know we can be! :)
January 12, 2014
This is an inspirational book that helps to provide the reader with the motivation to know that it is possible to lose weight. One thing that I am taking away from this book is when she talked about how she wished all obese people could spend one day in the body of a fit person and then they would change their lifestyles to make it happen. She is a very inspiring woman who has had to over come some terrible obstacles and is an inspiration to millions.
December 27, 2014
A moving & inspirational story
It's difficult to come to terms with the grief that Abby suffered after losing her husband and two children in an auto accident. Abby displays strong courage and a firm belief in God. Losing her excess weight and becoming active were two key components toward keeping herself focused and not turning to bitterness and the belief that she was a victim. Her story inspired me to get on my running shoes!
It's difficult to come to terms with the grief that Abby suffered after losing her husband and two children in an auto accident. Abby displays strong courage and a firm belief in God. Losing her excess weight and becoming active were two key components toward keeping herself focused and not turning to bitterness and the belief that she was a victim. Her story inspired me to get on my running shoes!
May 10, 2014
I am thrilled to be the first to review this book. I picked it up at the library this morning and just finished it. At a time in my life when stress and worry is getting the best of me, at a time I needed to "feel," Abby's story was there for me. Here is a woman who lost it all and found a way to live another day. Bravo Abby, bravo.
May 22, 2011
Abby has always been one of my favorite contestants on The Biggest Loser (yes, I watch The Biggest Loser) and I was looking forward to reading her book, even though I knew it would be depressing. It seems weird to say, but I really enjoyed reading it. Even though it got a little preachy/religious for me at the end, I'm glad she wrote it and I'm glad I read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews